NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has warned the Conservatives against trying to block the pharmacare law. The House of Commons is preparing to vote on the bill for the first time.
The legislation is at the center of the NDP’s political compromise with the ruling Liberals. Another requirement is to include in the law a program covering the cost of certain contraceptives and diabetes drugs and accessories.
Conservative health critic Stephen Ellis tabled an amendment to the bill last month. If it passes, the proposed law will be repealed.
He argues that the program will do nothing to solve the health care crisis. Instead we’ll get an infamous drug plan that will cover less, drive up costs and create massive new bureaucracy.
The New Democrats called on the Conservatives to withdraw the amendment. In the words of Jagmeet Singh, it is an ultimatum. But the Tories refused.
With Liberal and NDP support, the bill will easily pass. Opposition votes will have no role here.
